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Engineering

Improving Heat Exchanger Fouling Resistance with Surface-Modified Tube Geometries

Quick fact

Surface-modified tubes like corrugated or dimpled tubes can extend the fouling induction period—the time before significant fouling begins—by up to 2-3 times compared to smooth tubes, because their surface features continuously disrupt the boundary layer and promote local turbulence that discourages particle adhesion.

Why this is interesting

You've probably seen limescale build up on a kettle's heating element. Imagine that problem happening inside a chemical plant, where it can waste millions of dollars—so engineers are redesigning the tubes themselves to fight back.